The Start of Something Big

In an apartment in the depths of Toronto, two friends sit around a kitchen table talking about the start of something big…

“Cam, I think we need to bring the story to the people. You know, let them know how this whole thing got started.”

“What story?”

“The story about the thing that we have been sitting here talking about for the last few hours. Sportspateria.”

“Oh yeah, I know that story. So you want me to tell the world?”

“Yes, tell the story”

“Alright, no need to get all aggressive. Anyway, here it goes. It all started one day on a beach somewhere near Ottawa…”

“It definitely didn’t start somewhere near Ottawa.”

“Sure it did. At the very least it was something like that. Anyway, it was a balmy summer’s eve and…”

“No chance it was a balmy summer’s eve. How do you know that? You weren’t even there.”

“Can you let me tell the story?”

“Okay, fine. I’ll stop talking.”

“Alright, where was I? Yeah, so it was a beautiful afternoon during the summer long ago and my brother Dylan and his wife Zuzanna along with my sister Nicole and her husband Mike decided to go to the beach for the day. Some pints and good conversation were had, but after a while things started to get a little boring. At this point Dylan realized that he had brought a few paddles and a ball to hit around just in case he got tired of talking to the rest of them. After dragging everyone out of their heat stricken slumber, they all grabbed a paddle and began to hit the ball around and yes, it was just as boring as it sounds. So Mike decided to spice it up a bit and drew a line between the couples thus creating some sort of team paddle and ball game. That was fun for a bit, until Dylan realized his teammate sucked so He drew a line between them. Nicole followed suit and drew a line between Herself and Mike and Sportspateria was effectively born. They made the rules up as they went and the rest is, as they say, history.”

“That’s it?”

“Yeah that’s it. That is one of the great Hagreen clan stories, don’t be making fun of it”

“I’m not making fun of it. Think about it, when Sportspateria blows up and we have to start the Sportspateria Hall of Fame their names will go down in the record books and live on forever.”

“Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. We have to dream big.”

“You know it big guy!”

“Please don’t call me that.”

“Anyway, so I think that’s a good start. The story is short and sweet, but is that it?”

“Oh no, not at all, there are many more stories, I wouldn’t even know which one to tell next.”

“Maybe we should tell the story about the name. People are probably wondering what a Sportspateria is”

“Ah yes, the name. We definitely have to explain that.”

“Perfect, let’s get to it. But before you start, can I grab a glass of milk?”

And so began the telling of the Sportspateria journey. From a beach that may or may not have been located somewhere near Ottawa to the four square paddle and ball game that you all get jacked up to play. Buckle up kids, it’s going to be a wild ride.